US and Saudi Arabia Sign Civilian Nuclear Agreement Amid Proliferation Concerns

The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear agreement that would allow the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme.

The Trump administration did not release details of the deal, but the framework could potentially provide the kingdom with a facility that would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman formally signed the agreement, along with "bilateral safeguards" against non-proliferation.

“These agreements reflect our two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening US-Saudi commercial relations, delivering prosperity at home and security to our allies abroad,” Wright said in a statement.

“Rest assured, these agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation, while relying on the world’s best nuclear technology and scientists, designed right here in the United States.”

Uranium enrichment can produce fuel for nuclear power plants, but the same technology can also be used to build nuclear weapons. Because of this, US lawmakers from both parties have voiced opposition to the idea of a civilian nuclear project for Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to head off emerging criticism when asked by reporters about the risk of the agreement.

“The US is not going to reach any agreement with any country in the world that leads to the risk of proliferation,” he said, while travelling in the Philippines on Wednesday.

The deal is expected to last 30 years and would involve using American technology to develop the programme.

It does not include the International Atomic Energy's Agency's (IAEA) Additional Protocol, which would allow for more monitoring, inspections and verification, according to a person familiar with the case.

The deal will now be sent to Congress for review, where it is expected to face some opposition. However, Trump's Republican party controls both chambers, and so lawmakers are unlikely to prevent its implementation.

The announcement of the agreement comes as the US, alongside with Israel, launched a war against Iran that began in part over Washington's concerns over Tehran's nuclear capabilities. Iran has repeatedly insisted its nuclear enrichment programme is peaceful.